Fans often jokingly call it the "pretty boy" Gundam series, and for good reason—Mobile Suit Gundam Wing left a massive impression! Not only were the characters super cool, but even the voice actors became fan favorites, making it a rare Gundam title that captivated female audiences. This year, the reveal of its 30th-anniversary commemorative video, "Mobile Suit Gundam Wing -Operation 30th-," has definitely stirred up some buzz.
Following the video's release, TWO-MIX's Shiina Nagano, one half of the duo behind the iconic theme song "RHYTHM EMOTION," took to X to share some behind-the-scenes insights into the project and his thoughts on creating the new demo.
Nagano revealed on X that for the 30th-anniversary video, he specifically crafted a brand-new demo version of "RHYTHM EMOTION." He thought to himself, "Wait, how can I not add sound effects (SE)?" So, just like the old TV anime OP, he mixed in classic sound effects like "PPPP" and "Buppigan (mechanical/shooting sounds)" and sent it off to Sunrise.
During the project meeting, the record company and video production team were all raving about the demo. Nagano secretly cheered, "Oh, so for our generation who grew up with Wing, these sound effects are truly the soul!" He couldn't help but smirk, even though he was initially a little worried about getting scolded (lol).
▼ The original "RHYTHM EMOTION" opening sequence
Then, when it came to the official video, they were going to use the actual Gundam Wing SEs, and someone even reminded him, "Please, remember to remove those sound effects you added when you submit the final product!" Nagano could only laugh awkwardly and say, "I get it, I won't add them."
He felt like they were a bit scared he actually would add them, because if you know how much he loves Gundam Wing, "you'd understand I'm totally capable of doing something like that" (lol).
But seriously, Nagano noted that in that meeting room full of staff, he realized he was the only remaining member of the original Gundam Wing production team.
Later, someone told him that the only original crew member still involved was mechanical designer Hajime Katoki, who is now in his sixties. That moment truly made him feel the passage of time, with thoughts like, "Oh my god, it's been 30 years..."
After the video dropped, many overseas fans highly praised the inclusion of the original OP sound effects, and Nagano confirmed it's a shared understanding among Wing fans worldwide.
Nagano also teased a second "small gift" coming next month! This one will be a complete surprise (not in the same vein as this one), and fans will get to hear the full 30th-anniversary version of "RHYTHM EMOTION," complete with those special sound effects!
This 30th-anniversary video has genuinely moved and delighted many Wing fans, and it's clear how much passion Shiina Nagano poured into it. After all, for fans, TWO-MIX's music is synonymous with Gundam Wing. Perhaps we can look forward to the full music release in the future!